From Fort McMurray to Ottawa, Arndt gets his chance as Redblacks starting QB

Three years ago, Will Arndt was almost 3,800 kilometres away from Ottawa, in northeast Alberta, quarterbacking the Fort McMurray Monarchs to a Canadian Major Football League championship — a final game in which he rushed for four touchdowns and passed for three more.

That he would travel that far from his Connecticut home to keep his football dream alive speaks to the drive and passion that lives within Arndt. That the 26-year-old will be the starting quarterback for the Redblacks on Friday night in Toronto against the Argonauts speaks to his continued commitment and hunger to make the opportunity happen.

As a third- and sometimes second-string quarterback for the Redblacks this season, Arndt has completed 20-of-36 passes for 185 yards, with two interceptions. With Dominique Davis injured and sidelined at least until next week, the Redblacks announced Monday they will go with Arndt on Friday.

“We want to get him a bunch of reps and make sure he’s up to speed,” said Redblacks coach Rick Campbell. “We’ll see what he’s got, we want to give him a chance to start a game and play. He’s earned that. I’m excited to see him play. He’s got some game action, but it’s different when you know for a week you’re going to be the starting guy. He has a good arm, decent size and runs better than I give him credit for. He’s very sound, he’s on time with his throws and he’s got good feet.”

Much of Years 1 and 2 with the Redblacks were spent as a fourth-stringer, on the practice squad and not dressed on game day. Arndt knows what’s at stake, but he believes in himself and his ability to lead the offence. Asked if he thinks he can be a No. 1 quarterback in the CFL, he said: “I believe so. I’ve tried to put in the work so I can go out and play. This was the dream and the vision. I felt like I was a good fit for this league and I could be a starter one day. That was the vision back when it didn’t seem too real. It’s really cool to see it come full circle. It’s really interesting going from a Division III school (Western Connecticut State) to Fort McMurray to finally getting my shot (in Ottawa). You never know in this business. But I’ve always had a strong internal belief of what I’m capable of. I’ve never really lost faith, I’ve tried to reflect that every single day in my work.”

Arndt, who had an acting role in the HBO movie Paterno playing quarterback Matt McGloin, isn’t getting ahead of himself. Prepare for one game, focus on the Argonauts.

“It’s exciting,” said Arndt. “It’s always fun to come out and play football. I’m grateful for the opportunity. I’m focused on putting in a good week of work so I can go out there and have some success. I’m trying to keep things in perspective. Making things bigger than what they need to be is not going to help. One thing I’ve prided myself on — whether I was on the practice squad or when I was a two or a three or whatever the case may be — I tried to prepare myself the same way so when my opportunity came I could just be in the moment. It’s my turn. I’m really going to lock in and get ready.”

HORSE PLAY FOR BEHAR

It was just a bit of fun between Redblacks teammates, right? Former Carleton Ravens receiver Nate Behar made a bet with former Ottawa Gee-Gees running back Brendan Gillanders. On Thursday, it sure sounds like Behar will be wearing a horse costume after losing his bet with Gillanders when the Gee-Gees beat the Ravens 32-10 on Saturday in the annual Panda Game.

“I think we’re going to see on Thursday. I have to wear a costume of a certain animal often raced on tracks, I have to be photographed and shamed publicly,” Behar said with a laugh, noting that other former Gee-Gees didn’t step up to the plate to make a bet on the game. “A lot of them were too cowardly, they don’t ride for their alma mater like Gilly does. Us Carleton guys are all still proud, but some of the Gee-Gees guys have distanced themselves.”

It’s two straight Panda wins for Ottawa U now after four straight Carleton victories.

“There were some freak plays,” said Behar. “Rivalry games, there’s no logic behind them, it turns into controlled chaos. (Ravens) Coach (Steve) Sumarah asked if I was going to be on the sidelines and I said, ‘I don’t think I can be that close.’ You see the play calls come in, I remember the signals. You know what’s supposed to happen, you see the play and you’re, ‘Oh, my goodness, that’s not right.’ You’re trying to yell coaching points to the guy from 80 yards away. It’s very, very stressful. I wasn’t prepared for it.”

Asked about the aftermath of the crushing loss, Behar said: “I think I’ve heard a “Go Gee-Gees” chant in every room I’ve walked into the past three days, other than that it’s not too bad.”

THE END AROUND

QB Bryan Schor, who was brought in with the expanded roster, has been released. Also gone is OL D.J. Sackey. Former Carleton Ravens OL K.C. Bakker (drafted in the fourth round and released by the Montreal Alouettes) was added to the practice squad. Bakker is 6-foot-8 … Nice catch by Redblacks WR Micah Wright near the end of practice Monday … RB John Crockett is out again this week, but the Redblacks are hopeful he can play next week. Asked about the team’s remaining four games — two in Toronto, sandwiched around a game in Hamilton, then the regular-season finale at home against Montreal, Campbell said: “We’re trying to win any game we can the rest of the way out. We’re just really pouring our energy into trying to get ready for Toronto and being concerned with that game. We’re trying to make Edmonton have to earn (a playoff spot), we can still do that. If we win (Friday), we can put the ball back in their court.” It won’t be easy, though. Ottawa would have to win its remaining four games, while Edmonton just needs a tie in any of its remaining three games (one against B.C. and two against Saskatchewan).

This Week's Flyers

Comments

We encourage all readers to share their views on our articles and blog posts. We are committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion, so we ask you to avoid personal attacks, and please keep your comments relevant and respectful. If you encounter a comment that is abusive, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the comment box to report spam or abuse. We are using Facebook commenting. Visit our FAQ page for more information.